Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted talks in Beijing, as reported by Chinese state news outlets on Thursday. This meeting marks the first bilateral discussion between the two leaders in more than six years.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the talks took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. However, the specific outcomes of these discussions have not been disclosed to the public yet. Earlier in the day, a statement from China's foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, indicated that the summit would cover bilateral relations and involve an in-depth exchange of views on common interests. Guo emphasized China's desire to improve strategic communication and deepen governance experiences through enhanced exchanges and cooperation with North Korea.

The discussion between Kim and Xi is likely to concentrate on bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic realm, given that China is North Korea's largest economic supporter. This meeting comes at a time when both nations are working to mend their traditionally close ties, which have been strained by North Korea's recent alignment with Moscow.

The summit signifies the first meeting of the two leaders since their last encounter in Pyongyang in June 2019. Kim's current visit to Beijing is notable as it marks his fifth trip to China, with the last visit occurring in January 2019. Kim arrived in Beijing aboard his private armored train with his daughter and heir apparent, Ju-ae, to partake in the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Kim's attendance at the large-scale military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday, alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighted the strengthening trilateral solidarity. Following the parade, Kim joined Xi and Putin at a reception hosted by the Chinese president and later held a summit with Putin.